Energy density

In the graph below it is clear that methane standard combustion enthalpy is relatively low compared to the other standard combustion enthalpy of other compounds. Although this is simply because when burnt it reforms to make few bonds which only realeses limated energy. (all of the information provided in the table below is a representation of tests that were exothermic)

table of thermodynamic properties (below) (methane,fourth from the top)

Referances

Adaptation of existing technology distribution and storage

(present day+near future)

Adaptation for storage

Since most petroleum fuels being between "between 8 and 21 carbon atoms per molecule" for common engines (it varies because of the countries and seasons) its usually a liquid at room temperature so it is usually contained within huge vats. Also in storage for gas extra care needs to be taken when working next to huge quantatys of flamable gas (methane would have to be stored in large quantatys to maintain the efficientcy of the whole operation so that the same energy is transferred to the appliances that require it.today gas is already stored in two possible ways 'Aboveground storage tanks (AST) and underground (UST) storage tanks'

Fuel container (below)

The only adaptation that is advisable is to increase the volume of the container to compensate for the gas fuel. Also if such steps were taken to adapt the storage for methane the safety measures would also need to be increased because its volatility and likely hood of combustion (violent combustion)

Adaptation for distribution

As mentioned before existing fuel distribution is built for the transfer of liquid fuels which at fuel pumps, the fuel is contained underground and then pumped directly into the cars from hand help dispensers.If it were to be adapted for gas dispersion (into cars modified for gas use) the gas would need to be put under the right amount of pressure to ensure when the dispenser is switched on the gas moves from the pump into the tank inside the car. However the gas would need to be under just the right amount of pressure or the result would not be dissimilar from that of the effect of 'knocking' in a car. Also extra measures would need to be taken to reduce the danger from sparks from various machinery/gadgets. Another way of distributing the gas fuel would be too be to keep the gas at a slight higher temperature so the gas has higher kinetic energy that in turn when switched on will allow the gas to easily flow into the car (adapted for methane use).